The Chinese monastery of Shaolin was said to be the
real beginning of the martial arts. However, Karate as we know it today was
started in Okinawa approximately 100 years ago.Master
Funakoshi, the Founder
of Shotokan Karate, began his studies as a young man with two famous Okinawan
Masters. After many years of training and study he was invited to Japan where
he spent the rest of his life developing the art.

Funokoshi taught many students over the years but one
in particular made a great impact on modern Karate. Master Nakayama - famous
for his book Dynamic Karate (still the master text for Karate study). Master
Nakayama also taught many famous students but one in particular now has world
renown: Master Hirokazu Kanazawa 10th Dan - the only living Karateka
to have achieved that honour.

Master Kanazawa founded SKIF, the Shotokan Karate
International Federation. About
SKKIF